Heating system



y 1952 L. J. SMITH 2,596,300

HEATING SYSTEM Filed Oct. 16, 1948 8 Sheets-Sheet 2 MwKgy/a 6] May 13, 1952 L. J. SMITH 2,596,300

HEATING SYSTEM Filed Oct. 16, 1948 s Sheets-Sheet 5 HEW! Ira/ r? Z afl Lawrence 15211276 Q a Hedi,

May 13, 1952 J. SMITH HEATING SYSTEM Filed Oct. 16, 1948 8 Sheets-Sheet 4 J 23 61 63 7 Fg Z 2Q 77 i i #6 K1 2 J2 7 Z3 6 7.; A/VX/II X x 22 8 L ,6! 70 ,d 4 75 8 J2 a. 4 4 j 72,

May 13, 1952 J. SMITH 2,596,300

HEATING SYSTEM Filed Oct. 16, 1948 s Sheets-Sheet s E}. Inga.

May 13, 1952 L. J. SMITH HEATING SYSTEM 8 Sheets-Sheet 6 Filed Oct. 16, 1948 El/EFSIGLE MOTOR May 13, 1952 L. J. SMITH 2,596,300

HEATING SYSTEM Filed Oct. 16, 1948 s Sheets-Sheet 7 y 3, 1952 L. J. SMITH 2,596,300

HEATING SYSTEM Filed Oct. 16, 1948 8 Sheets-Sheet 8 JJ j 20 7' j 17 /7-'------ 1 1 U JO 1; {w -21] h H i ii 2/2 213 i ii Patented May 13, 1952 HEATING SYSTEM Lawrence J. Smith, Oak Park, Ill., assignor to Bell & Gossett Company, Morton Grove, Ill.,

a corporation of Illinois Application October 16, 1948, Serial No. 54,889

Claims. 1

My invention relates to heating systems for buildings and more particularly to that type in which the room spaces are warmed by circulating heated air through the joist and studding or interwall spaces of the building.

It has been ascertained that where such a system is used in a multistory building, considerable difiiculty is encountered in proportioning the supply of heat to the upper and lower rooms in accordance with their respective requirements. For example, in a two story dwelling, the heated air thermogravitationally circulates upwardly from the cellar or basement constituting a plenum chamber over a heat transfer coil and through a stack to the joist space between the ceiling of the first floor rooms and the floor structure of the second floor rooms, from which the air returns to the basement through studding or other spaces in the side walls of the first floor. This arrangement is intended to provide a warm ceiling and floor for the lower and upper rooms, respectively, which radiate heat into the rooms on the respective floors.

In passing through the joist space, however, the warm air tends to stratify into a warm core and relatively cooler layers above and below the core. Since the heat transfer through the plaster ceiling of the first floor rooms is more rapid than that through the sub-floor and finished floor of the second floor rooms, the supply of heat to the upper floor rooms will be insulficient. In severe weather, the differential temperature between the two fioors may be as much as F. and regardless of weather, the problem is intensified if some part or all of the upper fioor rooms is bounded by one or more outside walls. On the other hand, large glass areas on the first floor may require a larger supply of heat to this floor.

It is therefore one object of my invention to provide a heating system of the character indicated in which means are employed in the joist space for regulating the amount of heat transfer to the upper and lower rooms to the end that the roomsmay have the same or different temperatures as required.

A further object is to devise a system as indicated in which the means takes the form of a battle that may be fixed, or manually or automatically controlled to provide selected temperatures in the upper and lower rooms, the baffle exerting a directional effect on the flowing warm air'in the joist space and guiding the warm portion'thereof into more intimate contact with the sub-floor of the upper rooms.

A further object is to provide a movable baffle having the foregoing characteristics and a heating system incorporating the same wherein the baflle is additionally arranged to function as a fire door and is associated with one or more fusible links which upon rupture permit the baflle to close and stop circulation through the joist space, thus preventing the spread of a fire by drafts through the interwall and joist spaces.

These and further objects of the invention will be set forth in the following specification, reference being had to the accompanying drawings, and the novel means by which said objects are effectuated will be definitely pointed out in the claims.

In the drawings:

Fig. l is a sectional elevation of a typical, two story building, including a basement or cellar, the section being taken generally along the line 1-! in Fig. 2, and showing the application of fixed bailles at the ends of the joist space and between selected pairs of side wall studding.

Fig. 2 is a diagrammatic, plan section taken generally along the line 22 in Fig. l and showing a suggested, position relationship of the stack and baflles in the joist space which insures that the heated air will occupy the whole of this space, the joists and studding being omitted.

Fig. 3 is an enlarged, fragmentary section of a bafile and the adjacent portion of the building as viewed in Fig. 1.

Fig. 4 is a section along the line 4-4 in Fig. 3.

Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the baffle shown in Figs. 1, 2, 3 and 4.

Fig. 6 is a fragmentary section showing a modified form in which a fixed baflle is intermediately placed between the stack and each end of and extending for the full Width or length of the joist space as conditions may determine.

Fig. '7 shows a further modification in which the baffiing action is accomplished by an upward extension of the stack into the joist space.

Fig. 8 is a perspective view of the upper or baffle end of the stack as viewed in Fig. 7.

Fig. 9 is a view similar to Fig. 3, but showing an adjustable baffle that is manually controlled from an upper room.

Fig. 10 is a sectional view looking in the di rection of the arrow [0 in Fig. 9.

Figs. 11 and 12 are front and side views, respectively, of the manual adjuster shown in Figs. 9 and 10.

Fig. 13 is a sectional view showing a furthermodification which incorporates a variation of the adjustable feature illustrated in Fig. 9 in a baflle arrangement which extends throughout a length or width dimension of the joist space.

Fig. 14 is a perspective view showing a modified form of the stack as illustrated in Fig. '7 in which each side of the upper end thereof is provided with an adjustable baflle.

Fig. 15 is a sectional view showing the association of the adjustable balfies illustrated in Fig. 14 with fusible links whose rupture permits interruption of circulation through the stack.

Fig. 16 is a perspective view of a spider that provides a common connection between thebailles and the adjusting means.

Fig. 17 is an enlarged, front elevation of a fusible link employed in the modifications shown in Figs. 15, 19 and 20-.

Fig. 18 is a plan view of one of the fusible. links shown in Fig. 15 and which includes a'rel on which surplus wire is wound. a

Fig. 19 is a sectional view showing a modification of. the ad ustable bafile illu trated in Fig. 9, the. difference. consisting in that a portion Of h baffle is arran d. to. s ve a a fire door.-

Ei 20. s a vi w. partia y 1 .5.6. .n ot n in the. directi n of the arr w. .8. in i 1;.9.

Fiss. 21 and 22. a e front and: s de vi ws re.- pectively of the manua adj ste how n. F 19 and 20.

F s.- 23. an 2 a e r nt and Side vi w l. espect re o a r er ible motor hat y 96 .5 s it ed or he manu l ad uste n. Fi 19. a d 2.

F .5 hows an l c r ca wreathsludin the rever ible mo r l ust a ed; in .5.- Zian 2 9? automatically controlling the temperatur the lower and upper rooms. ie- .6 is a e eva n o a. th imallr r sp ns contr hich ma be sed i9, eu mati l e ulat e t i ocso he tal i s shewait Figsis. 20. an 2t Eie- 27:13am va n a ee whi h ma be iated. w thft e. tiq rql h w F 26 wher fusibl ink are 1.1.. .d; w h. e t are ashioned a fire 9 s T s fi. and 9 a e men a s 's c ns milar to Fig. 1 ,'but'shpwin g', respectively. a hot air te race a e t em l s Pr mar ea ur s,

F0 purpose 0t simplifying the description, the invention will be described as applied to, a two story building which includes acellar or basement and first and second floor rooms which exl5 ti-vely, that are. connected by struts 27.

.J'D sts are separated in spaced parallel relation ment III which. actsas a plenum chamber. The

ceiling 2.2 and'thefipor 23 are thus warmed and tend between two side. walls of the building. and

which" are hereinafter des'ilg' d as the. lower and upper rooms, respectively. Further, it-will be understood.that, since the joist spacebetween the F rst and secondjfloors. provides the reservoir fr m wh h. at is. r ns r ed.- w th a s. a since thisspace extends between the oppositeside walls of the building; the first and second,- floors be dividedinto. as 'many rooms. as. desired Without. afiecting'the.situation. Referring to Figs, 1 toainclusive, and immediately to Fig. 1, the building includes a base- A hot water heating boiler, I3. is. positioned. in the basement and is connectedbys .pl'y' andlreturnpipes l4 and I5 respectively;witha'fintyp heat transfer coil- [6 which.is locatedbetween a na ro he irst loo ets 'R pipes 14 and; I5, and coil [5. constitute alhotwater system through which the water is forciblycirqulate r um '8. esp nsir t a w a mqs at not hown? whic wer be he ed in e ther o 9m a ae ate. s i h usual practice, the boiler may be automatically or hand fired and, in the event of the former, the boiler may be equipped with controls (not shown) for maintaining the boiler Water above a predetermined temperature.

The coil I6 is exposed on its under side to the air in the basement H) and the lower room floor It is cut away above the coil to provide communication with the lower end. of astack 20 whose upper end communicated with the open joist space 2| between the lower room ceiling '22 and the. upper room floor 23. Supported on the side wallsof the building are open joists 24 of well known truss construction which include compressiOn and tension members 25 and 26, respec- These across one horizontal dimension of the joist space and their open construction enables the warm air to circulate freely throughout the joint space. The opposite ends of the joist space communicate with the basement Ill. through ducts Z8 (see-Figs. l, 3- and 4), each of which is included between a selected pair of studding 29f29, the low'eiroom plaster walls 39 and" interior sheathing '31.. It will beunderstood that thislmanner of forming theducts 28 is by way. of example only and would be. employed in the characteristic frame or-veneer type ofhouse. construction. Other ductfarrangemerits may be adopted for the return flow, of the airdepcndingupon the type of construction, such as chase spaces in solid masonry construction or other styles of grooves or channels.

From 'the foregoing, it will be apparent that, when hot water is pumped through. the coil [5, the. stack 20, joist space 2|, ducts 28 and basement l0 constitute a thermogravitational, circulatory system for heated air which flows upwardly. through the stack 20 intothe joist space 2.! and returnsthrough the ducts 2.5.110 the baseexposed tofthe. outside. Weather, the stack 10' preferably extends therealong asshown, because such a position conserves heat and the. inlet, ends oi theIduc tsZS are thenpositioned in'those'opposite corners. of. the roomwhich. are the more remote from the stack. This arrangementprovidesfa goodspread for. the air and: eliminates dead; air spaces as far as possible which. would otherwise reduce heat transfer to the rooms. The upper-ends of the spaces between all pairs of-studding 2 3;, otherthan thatpair whichdeflne the ductsjitare blocked by closures 33 (see Figs. 1- and 3) so that downward flow of .air -is-confined to the ducts. Where; all boundary walls ofthe lowerroom are outside walls, the-stack 2!);preferably extends up through the center of theroom and the inletendsofthe ducts-2Q may then'be located in,the room corners, or four in'all. The stack. 20. may also be included between a pair of} closely adjacent, inside. walls.

Sofar as described,- theheating system is well known, but for reasons above discussed, difficulty has been experienced in properlybalancing. the heatsupply between. the upper and. lower. rooms since, in the usual situatiorijalar'ger. proportion '34 accomplishes.

of the heat tends to' flow in the easier direction which is towards the lower floor ceiling 22. Generally speaking, the flow ratio will depend upon the character of the material used in the first floor ceiling and the floor structure of the second floor. In some cases, therefore, the heat transmission rate through the ceiling may be slower than that through the floor structure. The several baffle arrangements presently described have been designed to establish desired flow ratios for any building construction.

Referring to Figs. 1 to 5, inclusive, fixed baffles 34 are positioned at opposite ends of the joist space 2| in locations relative to the stack as shown in Fig. 2 and in registering relation with the ducts 28. Each baffle 34 (see Fig. 5) includes apair of ears 35, triangular end walls 36-36 normal thereto, and an inclined front wall 31 connecting the Walls 36. The bafile 34 is bridged between and has its ears -35 secured to that pair of studding 29-49 which defines a duct 28, with the front wall 31 inclined upwardly and inwardly of the joist space 2 and terminating short of the flooring 23, all as shown in Fig. 3.

As indicated, the baflle 34 provides a funnel-like means of communication between the joist space 2| and the associated ducts 28 and its height is such that the wall 31 thereof provides a barrier to the warm air flowing through the joist space such that the warmer portions thereof are caused to pass closer to the floor 23 than to the ceiling 22. Hence, a relatively larger part of the heat is transferred to the upper floor and a more accurate and dependable balance of heat as between the floors can be secured. The height of the baffie 34 may be varied as desired, depending upon the heat requirements which, by reason of the fixed nature of the baflle, it is assumed will not change.

A modification of the fixed bafile construction is illustrated in Fig. 6 wherein parts like those shown in Figs. 1 to 5, inclusive, are designated by like numerals. This numbering procedure will be followed in subsequent modifications where applicable. The Fig. 6 arrangement differs from that the full, horizontal dimension of the joist space 2| which, in the present instance, is normal to the joists 24. This arrangement provides substantially the same increased heating effect on the floor 23 relative to the ceiling 22 that the baflie The baffles 38 may also be located parallel to the joists 24 instead of normal as shown, but however located with respect to the joists, their number and position will depend upon the relation of the stack and ducts. The number of the inlets to the ducts 28 may be varied and related as desired to secure an eflicient distribution of warm air in the joist space, but, in any case, they are positioned on the far side of the baffle 38 from the stack 20 and preferably along an outside wall or walls whose cooling effect assists the circulatory action.

A further fixed baflle modification is illustrated in Figs. 7 and 8 wherein control of the air flow for the same purpose as discussed above is achieved by providing the stack 20 with an upward extension 39 that projects between a pair of .the joists 24 and terminates short of the floor 23. This arrangement also directs the warm air into more intimate contact with the floor 23. Where the stack shown in Figs. 7 and 8 is positioned along an inside wall, as in Fig. 2, the directing control on the warm air is exercised by three sides of the extension 33, but if spaced from all walls, all four sides of the extension are effective.

In Figs. 9 to 12, inclusive, is illustrated a further modification which includes an adjustable baiiie that may be variably positioned as desired to allocate the heat flow to the upper and lower rooms in any ratio. This baffle structure is indicated generally bythe numeral 48 and includes a U-shaped frame whose vertical limbs 4|-4| are fastened, within the joist space 2|, to the inward faces of that pair of studding 29 which define the duct 28 and a Wing 42 extending inwardly of the joist space 2| from each. limb. It will be understood that the baflle structure 48 is located with respect to the stack 2|) according to the arrangement discussed in connection with Fig. 3 and that all spaces between the studding 29 other than those which serve as the ducts 28 are blocked by closures 33.

A baflle 43 is pivoted at its lower end between the wings 42 to control air flow to the ducts 23 and to direct more or less heat to the floor 23, flow between the bottom of the baffle structure 48 and the tension members 26 of the joists 24 be blocked by closures 44 which register with the ducts 28. The position of the bailie 43 is adjusted by a wire 45, which preferably is characterized by the stiffness of piano wire, one end of which is attached to the baflie with an intermediate portion passing around a sheave 46 and slidably upward through a flexible tube 41 whose upper end is secured to the lower part of a casing 48 that is recessed in a side wall of the upper room l2. The upper end' of the wire 45 passes within the casing 48 and is secured to a finger operated member 49 that is vertically slidable on a rod 50 bridged between the upper and lower ends of the casing 48. There is sufficient friction contact between the member 49 and rod 5|] to insure the retention of the member in any position to which it is moved. A part of the member 49 projects through an elongated slot 5| that opens to the room |2 for convenient access by the operator and around the slot, the casing 48 includes a marginal flange 52 which overlies the baffle 43 is swung clockwise, as viewed in Fig. 9,

to thereby increase the heat flow to the upper room, while a contrary result is achieved when the member is moved downwardly. Counter- 'clockwise movement of the baflie 43, which is a gravity assisted movement, may be facilitated by attaching a weight 53 to the side of the baffle opposite to the connection of the wire 45 thereto and sufficiently removed from the baille pivot to be effective.

Where the baiile extends completely across one horizontal dimension of the joist space 2|, as in Fig. 6, the feature of adjustability may be incorporated therein and such an arrangement is illustrated in Fig. 13. The drawing shows only the baflle and the adjustable connection therefor and it will be understood that the baffle may be related to the stack 28 and ducts 28 as indicated in Fig. 6.

7? Referring; toFig. 13,. the: numeral 54 indicates the bafllewhich, in; this: case, extends: parallel to 'theioists 24' across-the? j'oistspace 2-1v may be pivoted along. its lower edge adjacent: one of the joist. tension members: 2 6.. The baflle: 543,. how-'- ever, may extend; normal to" the ioists. as in Eig; 6. A wire: 55:' is secured. at. one end tether b'aflfle 54 and is slidable through a curved, flexible tube whose opposite ends are respectively attached to a bracket; :1 and. the lower: end. of a.- casing 58"; which is similar to: the casing 48;, and; is recessed in. a sidewall of the upper room t2. The internal construction; of" the casing 58 is identical with; that illustrated in" Figs. 11 and: 12' and it therefore: includes; a slidable finger operated member-59 to whichthe oppositeendof the-wire 5'5. is secured;

From the foregoing; it will be obvious. that up and downv movements of the member 59 will effect. clockwise: and: counterclockwise movements of: the baflie 54 between limiting positions determined: by the angle: 60 and". the ceiling 22,. all respectively; and with corresponding variations in the heat flow to the upper and. lower rooms.

The adjustable bafile feature: may also be incorporated as. apart of the stack in. an arrangement-,, similar to that illustrated in. Fig. '7, in which the stack projects into the joist space 21. This. construction, together with additional features, which enables the baffles to act as fire doors; and. stop circulation through the inter-- wall andrioistspacesand the-stack in the event of fire, are illustrated in-. 14 to. 18 inclusive.

Referring to Figs. 14% and 1-5; the numeral 61 indicates a stack' which is comparable to the stack zt Fig. 7 and which also includes? an extension 62which2 projects well up: into the joist space-2t. The upper end of the extension-'62 is closed by a Wall. 63 and; for' simplicity ofillustration, the stack 61! and its extension 62 are shown asbeing square in transverse section. Each sidewall of the extension 6-2 includes an opening 64: which provides communication between the stack and the joist space H. Because of this arrangement whichprovidesa; fourway' orv generally radiating supply of warm air to-thesjoist space, the stack 6.1- would be positioned in thecenter of the lower floor, but if one opening 6.4 is eliminated, then the. location of the stack relative tothe ducts 28 may.- be as illustrated; in Fig. 2; Other locations of the stack 6 I. may be: employed, depending upon the number of openings 64'; which number may be varied down to.- the minimumoi one opening.

Marginally related to the vertical and lower edges of each opening. 64 and projecting. outwardly of theextension 62' are wings65 and 66, respectively; and pivoted along the wing. 65 and betweenthe-wings (i5 is a bafile '6'! which opens outwardlyof and overlaps the edges of the open-'-- ing. 64. The wings 65' act to channel the air issuing through the associated opening 64 and while: the bafiilet'l is shown as. pivotedon the wing-6S, it. may be pivoted on the wings 65 and the wing 66 eliminated.

A. bracket 68 is. secured tothe side of each baffle 6'! adjacent: to-and extending through the associated openingifi r and one endiof a wire '69 is:attachedto--v each bracket. The four wires. 69 thusprovided' have their oppositeends' respectively connectedv to the upper ends of" helical springs Ill (see'Figs. I5 and- 16-) and'the' lower ends .of the springs are respectively connectedto the corners of a flat, square spider H which; is

positioned. for free. vertical: movement within the-stack (it. Another wire depends. from-and has its. upper end' secured to the center ofthe spi'derEl andits lower end attached-to; a: weight 13 whichtendsi to rock. the bafiles 6 in directions closing: the openings 64; The springs 1o insure that the: pull of. the weight-will: be applied; to all of; the bafiiesr.

Adjustment. oh the bafiles $1: for directing. more or less of the warmair-flowing through: the ioist space from the stack into contact. with the upper room. floor is accomplished? by the: following; instrumentalities. V

The lowerv end: ora: wire 14 is connected. to the weight-1'32 by an attachment separate from the connection of the wire 12-to the weight and the other part-of the wire t4 extends freely upwardi through. the spider H. The construction shown in Fig. 115 is arranged to have thebaifies G1? act as firedoors; which will: automatically close the. openings 64=under thelpull' of the-weight 1a3irr the event. of. a. fire in the building;

preventing; spread? of: the fire by drafts through the passages whichform part of theheating systemp. Under theseconditions; each baffle 61; is composed? of heavier and more heat resistant material than if it were used only to control the movement. ofthe' warmair for the heating system;

To insure automatic: closure: of the baffles. the upper end of the: wire T4 is' connected. to the lower end of av fusible linlr 15 (see; Fig. 17*) and the upper end of. the linkv has attached. thereto the lower end of awire: 1 6- which passes-upward over a; sheave TI mountedwithin the stack extensiorr 52' and thence downwardly'w-ithinz the stack 6+. The link T5 is" of well known con.- struotion and iscontained within an open: frame comprising end pieces 18 and 19 which are respectively apertured: to receive the=wires.- M and T6= and-which are connected by rods 80-80.: posiitionedon: opposite sides of the link. 15; If the link 1:5 is subjected-,- to.- a. temperature which causes its-rupture, separating movementsot the link pieoes are: limited by the end pieces 1-8 and 19;, thus permitting easyreplacement of anew links As the drawing, indicates; the; linls 15/ is located generally at. the junction of the stack 61 with-the joistspacezt. V

The.- lower' end of the wire 16: passes.- partially arounda sheave. 8:! located-- within the stack. at the bottom thereof and depending from; a joist l t and-- thence. through. an and piece 82 (see Fig. 18') forming part of. afusible link assembly generally indicated by the. numeral 83: This assembly includes a. second end. piece 84= spaced from the end piece 82 and the end pieces are connected byspaced, parallel rods: tit--85; Adjacentthe. and piece 82;. a. reel: 86* is bridged between the rods.- 85 andasurplus quantityof the-wirete iss'woundaroundthereel fora pu-rpose presently explained; Between: the reel 8% and the: end piece 82,. e {910612781 isslidable on the wires-- '16 andis gripped thereto: bya: screw 88, thus preventing. unwinding: of: the' reel; under normal'operating conditions by: engagement of the: block; 81: with the-end: piece: 82."

The: frame. of the reel 86 is connected? a neck 89 with one. end-of; aifusible: auwhile the: other: end: of: the'lin'ls connects: to: a: wire. 9| passes through the end piece; 84,. thence partiallyaround-21; sheave: fili'that: also depends from' the: joist I1 and thence upwardly: within the stack El: fonattachmennto aimanualiadinster, generally indicated-by the; numeral 33 Eigr. 15,

that is recessed in a wall of the stackand exposed in the room II for easy access. The adjuster 93 is identical with thatillustrated in Figs. 11 and 12, but is reversely operable for reasons presently noted.

Comparing Figs. 1 and 15, it will be noted that the heating coil I6, omitted from Fig. 15 for the sake of clarity, would be located in the space 94 in the latter figure, so that the fusible link 90 would be positioned beneath the coil I6 and hence exposed in the basement I beneath the joists II. The positions of the bailles 61 are regulated by the adjuster 93 to allocate heat to the upper and lower rooms, downward actuation of the adjuster,

for example and as viewed in Fig. 15, freeing the weight I3 to drop further and thus rocking the baffles upwardly and directing the warm air into more direct contact with the upper room fioor 23. A contrary result is obtained when the adjuster 93 is moved upwardly and, in this case, the pull of the weight 13 on the baiiles 61 is temporarily relieved and the baffles rock downwardly by gravity until the slack previously created in the wire I2 is taken up by the new positions of the bafiles and in which they are held by the weight.

In the event of fire on the premises, either or both of the fusible links I and 90 may be ruptured by the heat from the fire, and under any of these conditions, the dropping of the weight I3 thus effected causes the bafiles 61 to close the openings 64, thereby interrupting the draft through the stack BI and joist space 2|.

It will be understood that, as is well known in the art, the end pieces in the respective fusible link assemblies are sufficiently spaced to provide the required movements of the separated parts of the links I5 and 90. If the link 90 is ruptured, it may be easily replaced since it is accessible from the basement I0, but if the link I5 is destroyed, it is necessary to utilize the surplus wire 16 that is wound around the reel 86. The screw 88 is loosened, the reel 86 is unwound and sufficient wire I6 is pushed up in the stack 6| to enable the link I5 to be dropped in the stack until it registers with a hand held cover 95 in the stack wall and in this position, it may be replaced. The wire I6 is then rewound on the reel 86 until the new link is restored to the position shown in Fig. 15, after which the screw 88 is again tightened.

If the baiiies 67 are not additionally required to act as fire doors, they may be made with lighter sections and the links I5 and 90 are omitted. Under these conditions, each baffle may be weighted on one side to facilitate their being rocked downward when the weight I3 is raised, as indicated in Fig. 9.

In Figs. 19 and 20 is illustrated a further modification which involves a manually controlled, fire door type of baflie which is similar in some respects to the construction shown in Figs. 9 and 10. As in the latter figures, the ver tical limbs 96-96 of the baiile frame are fastened within the joist space 2I to that pair of studding 29 which define the duct 28 and a wing 91 extends inwardly of the joist space from each limb. This frame is located with respect to the stack 20 as discussed in connection with the arrangements shown in Figs. 3 and 9.

A baffle indicated generally by the numeral 98 is pivoted at its lower end between the wings 91 and it includes a lower, fire door portion 99 having an appropriate thickness and heat resistant properties, which is intended, under stated conditions, to interrupt communication between the joist space 2| and the duct 28, and an upper and lighter .Weight portion I00 whose upper edge determines by its adjusted position the heat allocation to the upper and lower rooms as already discussed.

An arm IOI secured to the baffle 98 extends within the duct 28 and has its end attached to the upper end of a wire I02 which extends downwardly within the duct and has its lower end afiixed to a weight I03. Separately attached to this weight is the lower end of a wire I04 which extends upwardly through the duct 28 and has its upper end secured to one end of a fusible link I05, which is identical with the link shown in Fig. 1'7. A wire I06 provides a connection between the opposite end of the link and a manual adjuster I01, presently described, which is recessed in a side wall of the upper room. I2, the wire as it leaves the upper end of the duct entering the lower end of a flexible tube I08 whose upper end is connected to the casing of the adjuster I01. 7

The adjuster I01 is more particularly illustrated in Figs. 21 and 22 to which reference will now be made. It includes an annular, horizontal casing I00 which is received in the upper room side wall, as indicated in Fig. 19, and has affixed to an end wall thereof a dial I09 which is exposed Within the room and may be calibratedlin any desired manner. A horizontal spindle H0, coaxial with the casing I08, is journaled in the opposite end walls of the casing I08 and extends through the dial I09 for connection with a knob III having a finger II2.

Also keyed to the spindle I I0 within the casing I08 is a reel II3 on which .a surplus quantity of the wire I06 is wound for a purpose presently explained. From the foregoing, it will be understood that rotation of the knob III produces up and down movements of the wire I06 and corresponding changes in the position of the bafiie 98 for purposes noted above.

The knob III is maintained in any adjusted position by a disk II4 which frictionally engages an end of the reel and is held thereagainst by one end of a helical spring H5 whose opposite end abuts an end wall of the casing I08, the disk and spring being coaxial with the spindle IIO. Rotation limits on the knob III are provided by stops I I6 and l I! with which the finger H2 engages. Clockwise rotation of the knob, as viewed in Fig. 21, produces a like rocking of the baffle 98, as viewed in Fig. 19, to thereby allocate more heat to the upperfloor I2, and a contrary condition is obtained when the knob is rotated in the opposite direction. The adjuster I01 may also be substituted for the comparable adjusters shown in Figs. 10 and. 13.

In the event of fire, the fusible part of the link I05 ruptures and causes the bafiie 98 to swing clockwise, as viewed in Fig. 19, until the fire door portion thereof abuts blocks H8 that are bridged between the studding 29-29 at the upper end of the duct 28. All communication between the joist space 2| and the duct 28 is thus interrupted; Replacement of the ruptured link I05 is effected by removing the stops H6 and II I, and thereafter unwinding the reel I I3 sufiiciently to drop the link to a position between the adjacent pair of joists I! where it is accessible from the basement I0.

The strip bafile shown in Fig. 13 may also be arranged tooperate as a fire door to prevent draft through the joist space and, in such an event, it may be regulated and controlled by an 11 adjusting and fusible :link mechanism :comparable to that illustrated in Fig. 19.

In Figs. .23 and 2421s illustrated a reversible motor, operated control :II:9 that could be substituted for the manual adjusters shown in :Figs. 10, 13 and 22. This-control includes a reversible motor 120 whose frame is recessed in :and whose control p'late I:2I is ex-posed through a sidewall 1 22 of the upper room I'2. The internal "construction of this motor forms no part of the present invention and hence the wiring'thereoi and the controlling switches therefore are not illustrated. Preferably, the motor I'20 is of the type which is restricted to a maximum shaft rotation of 180 incitherdirec-tion, these rotation limits corresponding to the rocking limits of the associated bafile. Mounted on the motor shaft is a reel [2 3 having wound thereon wire I24 which may be connected to any-of the baffles shown in Figs. 10, 13 and 19. A pointer 1-25 is also connected to the motor shaft to sweep over the control plate I2I which may be calibrated to indicate bafile position.

The reversible motor shown in Fig. 23 can'be employed in a control system -for producing substantially a zonal heating effect in the upper andlower floors, i.'e., an arrangement in which heat preference to either of these fioors is separately controlled in each floor in accordance with the demand for heat therein. A suggested electrical "circuit for accomplishing these results is illustrated in Fig. 25. V Briefly, it consists of a room thermostat for each floor, :a manual .controlled switch whereby preference 'of heat supply may 'be given to either floor while retaining a capacity 'for shifting to the other 11001 on demand after the preferred floor has beensatisfied, all associated with the reversiblemotor and a 'pump for forcing water through the heating coil 16 (seeFig. 1).

'The numerals I26 and T21 designate room thermostats which arerespectively positioned in the secondhand first floors and are responsive to the heat demands in these localities. -The thermostatIZG is .connected by wires I28 and I29 "to the terminals I.30 and I3I, respectively, of a relay I32, the terminal I30 being connected to a power wire I33 and the terminal I3I being connected through'a holding coil I34 to a'power wire I35. Hence, when the thermostat I28 closes, the coil I34is energized.

The relay I32 also includes a pair of switches which are connected for-simultaneous movement, one "being of the single pole, double throw switch I36 "and the other the single pole, single throw switch I31 and both switches are biased to the positions shown-in Fig'25 by a spring I38. The switch I36 swings between contacts I39 and H0, the former connecting by wire I41 with terminal I 42 on a reversible motor I43, which is drivably connected to any of the pivoted bafiles above described, while the latter contact connects by wire M4 with a contact M5 provided on one end of a manually operated, double polo, double throw switch l4is,.hereinafter referred to as the prefoted end of the switch "I connects by wire I54 1 with one of the intermediate terminals I 52 of the preference switch 14-6. V

The pivotedend of the-switch 1:31 connect-s by (a wire .15.3 with a terminal I54 on .-a relay I55 which in turn is connected toca power wire 156.

1 3 when swung Efrem the position shown in 1 ig.1'.2'5, connects bywire ll 58 with alterminal I59 Ion the relay 15-5 and thence through a holding coil I60 with a power wire I6I Therefore, when the switch I3-'I engages contact I5I,'the coil .160

is energized. Operably related to the cod 1-50 is 'a pivoted switch I 62 which is biased in the retracted or open position shown by a spring 163. 'When the switch 162 is closed by energization of the coil I60, it engages a contact I- 54 which is electrically connected to the power wire 156, while the pivoted end of the switch I52 connects by wire 1'65 with the driving motor of a pump I 66 and the motor in turn connects by wire fI B'I with power wire I=6 'I, thus "completingthe electric drive for the pump. It will be understood that the pump I66 would be connected in the-hot water *circuit portion *of the "heating system as indicatedfor the pump I8 in Fig. 1.

The first floor thermostat I2"! connects 'by wires Hi8 and I't ii with terminals IIfland III, respectively, of a relay I12, andthe terminal 'Il'I is electrically connected to a power whe l 12 while the terminal H0 connects through a holding coil I'I3 with a power wire I14. Opera'bly related-to the coil tI'TSiare connected switches I15 and I16 which are identical with switches I35 and I31, respectively, with the 'former being biased "in the position shown by a spring :II'l. "The pivoted end of the switch 'I'I'5 connects by'wire I18 with the other intermediate terminal ITS-of the preference switch I45, while the contact I80, with "which the switch I is shown in engagement, connects 'by'wire I'8I with an end contact I8'2 o:

the preference switch. The adjacent, end contact I 83 of the latter switch connects by wire T8 3 with the contact 1'41 andhence with common terminal "I 39 on the reversible motor I43. The other contact I85, with which "the switch I15 engages,

connects :by wire I85 with terminal m on the motor. Hence, when power is applied across the terminal 'I42I4'9, the motor rotates in one Ilirec'tion, and when applied across the terminals M9'I3I, the motor rotates in the opposite direction.

The pivoted end of the switch I'I'E connects by wire 188 with wire 453, or directly 't'othe terminal I54, while'the contact me, with which the switch I16 engages, connects by wire 1'90 with wire 158, or directly to the terminal I59,

The operation of the circuit shown in Fig. 25 will now be described. Asill-ustrated, the thermostats Ifldand I21 are open, asis also the preference "switch Md This circuit may be conditioned to give heat preference to either floor and after the selection of one floor by actuation of the preference switch I56, demand for heat "by the non-selected floor will not'be answered so long as the preferred floor demand heat, 'but will be satisfied after the preferred floor is satisfied. It will be obvious, however, that the non-selected floor always receive some heat when the bafile is in a position which prefers heat to the selected iizloor. Hence, the demand for healthy the nonselecteid .floor referred to above is to be regarded as a preference demand after the demand of the selected floor has been satisfied. .A movement of the switch let to a position giving preference to the theretofore non-selected noon-reverses the situation as will now beshown.

Assuming that the parts are in the rsev'eral positions shown in Fig. 25 in which themotor M3 and pump 4435 are at rest and that the .arms -'of .--the preference switch 446 are swung to engage the contacts I45 and I41, which is a position giving heat preference to the second floor, then when the thermostat I26 closes in response to a demand for heat in the second floor, the coil I34 is energized and the switches I36 and I31 are swung to respectively engage the contacts I39 and I51. The engagement of the contact I39 completes the circuit through the motor I43 by way of the wires I4I, I40 and II in conjunction with the switch I36, contact I41 and terminal I52 which are bridged by on of the arms of the preference switch I46, and the power wires I50, power being applied to the motor across the terminals I42 and I49. Assuming that the baffle which is driven by the motor is in a position in which not as much heat is directed to the second floor as the new conditions demand, the motor I43 begins to rock the baffle to a position in which more heat is directed to the second floor.

Coincident with the engagement of the contact I39 by the switch I36, the switch I31 engages the contact I51, thus energizing the coil I60 and attracting the switch I62 to engage the contact I64 and complete the circuit through the motor which drives the pump I66. An adequate supplyof hot water is therefore circulatedthrough the heating coil I6 (see Fig. l) and the heated air flows upwardly through the stack and joist space where its movement is controlled by the baffles. When the thermostat I26 is satisfied, the motor I43 and pump I66 stop and the switches I36, I31 and I62 return to the positions shown in the drawing. If the first floor thermostat I21 demands heat while the second floor thermostat I26 is still demanding heat, the coil I 13 will be energized and the switches I15 and I16 will be attracted to respectively engage the contacts I85 and I89, but this conditioning of the relay I12 does not afiect the motor I43, since the switch I15 connects by wire I18, preference switch I46 and wire I44 with contact I40 which is not in engagement with switch I36 at this time. Hence, the circuit to the motor I43 through the relay I12 is not completed, and while the closing of the switch I16 completes the circuit through the relay I12 and the motor of the pump I66, this is a mere movement of parts since, under the assumed conditions, the pump I66 is then running.

If preference for the first floor in advance of satisfaction of heat demand by the second floor, or at any other time, is desired, it is only necessary to throw the preference switch I46 to engage the contacts I82 and I 83, whereupon the thermostat I21 assumes primary control of the motor I43 and pump I66 in the same manner as described for the thermostat I26, except that the reversal of the motor shifts the baflles to direct more heat to the first floor.

A further means for actuating the baffles is illustrated in Fig. 26 which takes the form of a thermal device which is responsive to room temperatures. This device may be mounted in a casing I9I, shown with its cover removed, which may be positioned in the wall of a room above or The lower end of the member I92 14 adjusting screw I93 whereby the tension of the spring may be adjusted and hence any initial length of the member I92 established. The cap I91 may include a pointer I99 which registers with a scale 200.

Depending from the lower end of the bellows member I92 and projecting through the arm of the lever I94 is a finger 20I whose lower end bears against a lever 202 that is rockable on a knife edge 203 and hinged at one end to the casing at 204. The opposite end of the lever 202 is secured to one end of a wire 205 whose opposite end is secured to a bafile as already described. Extension of the bellows member I92 by the absorption of heat from the adjacent room moves the battle in an appropriate direction and movements of the baflie in the opposite direction when the member shortens is accomplished by a helical spring 206 which bears constantly against the under side of the lever 202 and against an abutment 201. It will be understood that the arms of the lever 202 will be related so that the comparatively short working range of the bellows member I92 will effect the relatively greater movements of the baffles.

Where the thermal device shown in Fig. 2G is used for the fire door type of baflie, a reel 208 is mounted on the free end of the lever 202 on which a surplus quantity of the wire 205 is wound. The

unreeling of this wire enables replacement of the fusible links in the manner already described. Under normal conditions, unreeling of the wire is prevented by means of a block 209 which rests on the upper side of the lever 202 and. through which the wire 205 passes. A screw 2I0 threaded in the block locks the same to the wire.

Any of the foregoing bailie arrangements can be used with other primary sources of heat such as a hot air furnace as illustrated in Fig. 28, or a steam boiler as illustrated in Fig. 29, or a gravity circulating hot water heating system (not shown) may be substituted for the forcibly circulated system shown in Fig. 1. Further, it will be understood that, as shown in Fig. 9, any of the baffles illustrated in Figs. 13, 14 and 20 may be weighted to facilitate gravity movements thereof.

Referring to Fig. 28, the numeral 2| I indicates a characteristic hot air furnace which is located in the basement I0 and surrounded by a bonnet 2l2 whose upper end communicates with and supplies hot air to the lower end of the stack 20. This hot air is then controlled by any of the battles above described, whether located at the top of the stack or the sides or intermediately of the joist space. The returning air flows downwardly through the ducts 28 into the basement I0 and thence through an opening 2I3 in the lower part of the bonnet 2I2 for resumption of the cycle.

In Fig. 29, a steam boiler 2| 4, positioned in the basement I0, is connected by supply and return pipes 2 I 5 and 2 I 6, respectively, with a heat transfer coil 2I1 that is located in the lower part of the stack 20 in a position comparable to the coil I6 in Fig. 1. The air heated by the coil 2I1 may be controlled by any of the baifie arrangements already described.

Iclaim:

1. In a heating system for a multistory building, an open joist space included between the floor structure of an upper story and the ceiling of the adjacent lower story, an interior stack extending through the lower story, ducts in the outer side walls of the lower story, the stack and ducts communicating at their respective upper ends with the joist space, a plenum chamber beneath the lower story common to the lower ends of the stack and ducts, heating means in the lower end of the stack, the stack, joist space, ducts and chamber constituting conduit means through which warm air flows thermogravitationally upwardly through the stack into the'joist space and downwardly through the ducts to the chamber, and bafiie means in the joist space ar- "ranged to direct the-warmer portion of the air to flow along the under side of the structure and therebydetermi-ne the ratio of heat transfer from the air to the floor structure and ceiling.

- 2. In a heating system for a-multistory building, an open joist space included between the "floor structure of an upper story and the celling 'of the adjacent lower story, an interior stack extending through the lower story, ducts in the outer side walls of the lower story, the stack and ducts communicatin at their respective upper ends with the joist space, a plenum chamber beneath the lower story common to thelower ends of the stack and ducts, heating means in the lower end of the stack, the stack, joist space, ducts and chamber constituting conduit means through which warm 'air flows thermog-ravit'ationally upwardly through the stack into the joist'space and downwardly through the ducts to the chamber, and funnel-like ba-file means at the junction of the joist space and ducts arranged to direct the warmer portion of the air to flow along the under side of the structure and thereby determine the ratio of heat transfer from the air to the floor structur and ceiling.

' 3. In a heating system fora multistory building, an open joist space included between the floor structure of an upper story and the ceiling of the adjacent lower story, an interior stack extending through the lower story, ducts in-the outer side walls of the lower story, the stack and space and downwardly through the ducts to the chamber, and the stack extending partially into,

the joist space to form bafiie' means for directing the warmer portion of the air to flow along the under side of the structure and thereby determine the ratio of heat transfer from the air to the floor structure and ceiling.

4. Ina heating system for a multistory building, an open joist space includedbetween the fioorstr-ucture of an upper story and the ceiling of the adjacent lower story, an interior stackextending through the lower story, ducts in the outer side walls of the lower story, the stack and ducts communicating at their respective upper ends with the joist space, a plenum chamber beneath the lower story common to the lower ends of the stack and ducts, heating means in the 1 lower end of thestack,1the stack, joist space, ducts and chamber constituting conduit means through which warm air flows thermogravitationally upwardly through the stackinto the joist space and downwardly through the ducts'to the chamber, andstripbaflie means withinrand extending along one horizontal dimension of the joist space between the stack and ducts, the baffle means be- -ing arranged to direct the warmer portion of the air to flow along the under side of the structure from the air to the floor structure and ceiling.

5. In a heating system for a multistory building, an open joist space included between the floor structure of an upper story and the ceiling of the adjacent lower story, an interior stack extending through the lower story, ducts in the outer side walls of the lower story, the .stackand ducts communicating at their respective upper ends with the joist space, a plenum chamber beneath the lower story common to the lower ends of the stack and ducts, heating means in the lower end of the stack, the stack, joist space, ducts and chamber constituting conduit means through which warm air flows thermogravitationally upwardly through the stack into the joist space and downwardly through the ducts to the chamber, and bafile means in the joist space having its upper edge adjustably spaced from the floor structure to direct the warmer portion of the air to flow "along the'under side of the structure and to vary the ratio of heat transfer from the air to the floor structure and ceiling. I

6. In a heating system for a multistory building, an open joist space included between the floor structure of an upper story and the ceiling of the adjacent lower story, an interior stack extending through the lower story, ducts in the outer side walls of the lower story, the stack and ducts communicating at their respective upper ends with the joist space, a plenum chamber beneath the lower story common to the lower ends of the stack and ducts, heating means in the lower end of the stack, the stack, joist space, ducts and chamber constituting conduit means through which warm air flows thermogravitationally upwardly through the stack into the joist space and downwardly through the ducts to the.

chamber, a bafile in the joist space pivoted at its lower end adjacent the ceiling and extending to- Wards the floor structure for directing the warmer portion of the air to fiow' along the under side of the structure, and means for rocking the baffle to any selected position to determine for such position the'ratio of heat transfer from the air to the floor structure and ceiling.

7. In a heating system for amultistory building, an open joist space included between thefloor structure of an upper story and the ceiling of the adjacent lower story, an interior stack extend- I ing through the lower story, ducts in the outer side walls of the lower story, the stack and ducts communicating at their respective upper ends with the joist space, a plenum chamber beneath the lower story common to the lower ends of the stack and ducts, heating means in the lower end of the stack, the stack,'joist space, ducts and chamber constituting conduit means through which warm air flows thermogravitationally upwardly through the stack into the joist space and downwardly through the ducts to the chamber, a baille in the joist space pivoted at its lower end adjacent the ceiling and the upper end of each duct and extending towards the floor structure for directing the warmer portion of the air to flow along the under side of thestructure, and means for rocking the bafile to any selected position to determine for such position the ratio of "heat transfer from the air to the floor structure in the outer side walls of the lower story, the stack and ducts communicating at their respective upper ends with the joist space, a plenum chamber beneath the lower story common to the lower ends of the stack and ducts, heating means in the lower end of the stack, the stack, joist space, ducts and chamber constituting conduit means through which warm air flows thermogravitationally upwardly through the stack into the joist space and downwardly through the ducts to the chamber, and the stack extending partially into the joist space and having openings in one or more side walls of the extension and a closure at its upper end, a battle pivoted along the lower edge of and registering with each opening for directing the warmer portion of the air to flow along the under side of the floor structure, and means for simultaneously rocking the baffles to any selected positions to determine for such positions the ratio of heat transfer from the air to the floor structure and ceil- 9. In a heating system for a multistory building, an open joist space included between the floor structure of an upper story and the ceiling of the adjacent lower story, an interior stack extending through the lower story, ducts in the outer side walls of the lower story, the stack and ducts communicating at their respective upper ends with the joist space, a plenum chamber beneath the lower story common to the lower ends of the stack and ducts, heating means in the lower end of the stack, the stack, joist space, ducts and chamber constituting conduit means through which warm air flows thermogravitationally upwardly through the stack into the joist space and downwardly through the ducts to the chamber, a baflie in the joist space pivoted at its lower end adjacent the ceiling and the upper end of each duct and extending towards the floor structure for directing the warmer portion of the air to flow along the underside of the structure, the lower portion of the baffle being composed of fire resistant material, means for rocking the baffle to any selected position to determine for such position the ratio of heat transfer from the air to the floor structure and ceiling comprising an adjuster and connections between the adjuster and battle including a fusible link and a weight in the associated duct, the weight being separately connected to the link and bafiie and acting to maintain the baflle in 18 the adjusted position, and an abutment bridged across the supper end of the last named duct and engaged by the fire resistant portion of the bafiie under the pull of the weight to close the last named duct when the link ruptures on exposure to a predetermined temperature.

10. In a heating system for a multistcry building, an open joist space included between the floor structure of an upper story and the ceiling of the adjacent lower story, an interior stack extending through the lower story, ducts in the outer side walls of the lower story, the stack and ducts communicating at their respective upper ends with the joist space, a plenum chamber beneath the lower story common to the lower ends of the stack and ducts, heating means in the lower end of the stack, the stack, joist space, ducts and chamber constituting conduit means through which warm air flows thermogravitationally upwardly through the stack into the joist space and downwardly through the ducts to the chamber, a baiile in the joist space pivoted at its lower end adjacent the ceiling and extending towards the floor structure for directing the warmer portion of the air to how along the under side of the structure, and means for rocking the bafiie to any selected position to determine for such position the ratio of heat transfer from the air to the floor structure and ceiling, the bafiie being composed of heat resistant material and sized in one position thereof to close the associated duct.

LAWRENCE J. SMITH.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 594,597 Burrows Nov. 30, 1897 1,343,330 Miles June 15, 1920 1,349,175 Walker Aug. 10, 1920 2,117,712 Evans May 17, 1938 2,181,814 Knapp Nov. 28, 1939 2,206,119 Persons July 2, 1940 2,240,951 Hamjy May 6, 1941 2,364,220 Johnson Dec. 5, 1944 FOREIGN PATENTS Number Country Date 2,009 Great Britain July 27, 1914 

